HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES. Thursday, 'July 18, 1963
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KM HEPPNER
GAZETTE-TIMES
MOBBOW COUNTTS NEWSPAPER
The Heppner Gazette, established March 30. 1883. The Heppner
Times established November 18, 1897. Consolidated February 15
1912.
WESLEY A. SHERMAN HELEN E. SHERMAN
Editor and Publisher Associate Publisher
NIWSPAMI
NftUSMIIS
ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL EDITORIAL
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Subscription Rates: Morrow County, $4.00 Year; Elsewhere $4.50
Year. Single Copy 10 Cents. Published Every Thursday and Entered
at the Post Office at Heppner, Oregon, as Second Class Matter.
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Unemployment in Morrow County
When the manager of the Pendleton office of the State
Employment Service announced at the Heppner-Morrow County
Chamber of Commerce meeting Monday that the county is
now classified by the U. S. Department of Labor as having
"substantial unemployment," it evoked considerable surprise
among, many of his listeners.
In the audience were a few who have been attempting to
obtain certain types of skilled help for some time. The county
agent, who was present, said that a number of farmers had
been coming to his office seeking harvest help without success.
On the other hand, others knew of harvest hands needing work.
One member expressed the feeling that part of the unem
ployment figure actually is due to the seasonal layoffs in
certain types of work here that are reflected in the winter
months. These same "unemployed" on the basis of their annual
incomes do quite well and sometimes their salaries are at
least partly predicated on the assumption that these layoffs will
occur.
Statistics from the speaker showed that the months of
January through May each exceeded a 6 unemployment.
These figures, apparently, are the ones that resulted in Morrow
being classified as having "substantial unemployment." The
State Employment official, however, explained after the meeting
that the percentage shows a trend edging higher. This might
well give cause for concern.
In January, the number of unemployed in the county
was listed as 180 with 1340 others employed.
In an area of as light population as this county, it doesn't
take much of a number to make a relatively high percentage,
but although the total number may be small, it cannot be
dismissed as no problem. Whenever the bread winner of a
family is truly out of work, that family may suffer, and the
fact that there may be only a small number in similar plight
is of no particular consolation.
A number of businessmen do not believe that it is as
serious here as the figures show for they have not been con
fronted with the evidence. Part of the problem may be in the
actual finding of jobs that are available and an employment
office here, at least on a part time basis, might help.
There are a few opportunities in skilled or semi-skilled
work in limited number open here, although our industries are
few. To those who have abilities to work on their own, there
are quite a few possibilities. The southern part of the county
has felt a need for plumbers, electricians, and some other types
of crafts. Another example is the possibility of someone supple
menting his income through photography. No such service is
offered here, and there have been a number of calls for such
a service.
Morrow county's population is generally of stable type.
There is very little in the way of transient labor for the reason
that there is little to attract the migrant worker. A substantial
part of the population is self-employed on farms and in small
business.
Whether the local businessman is convinced that this is
truly an area of "substantial unemployment," it is a matter
that is worthy of attention and exploration.
Because of the governmental classification, the county
qualifies for some typos of public works programs on a matching
basis. Local firms arc eligible for preferential interest rates under
the Small Business Administration, and its industry for pref
erence on government procurement lists. Already, as a result
of the talk, one or two local firms are checking into the latter.
It doesn't take too much additional activity or Industry to
bolster the economy here; conversely, the loss of a little is
quick to hurt. When the gas pipeline was laid across the county
two summers ago, it created a minor wave of prosperity, not
so much because additional men were employed on the pipe
line from local sources, but because they used goods and
services that helped create local employment. It was missed
the next summer when it didn't come along again to help.
The Chamber of Commerce passed a motion to investigate
the situation brought to its attention by the talk and to explore
possibilities offered. Serious unemployment or not, a boost in
the economy would bo welcomed by all.
Beauty Is in the Eyes of the Beholder
When Bud Forrester recently wrote a little, squib In his
"Cabbages and Kings" column in the East Oregonian of his
conclusion that the highway from Scottsburg to Reedsport takes
travelers through the most picturesque scenery in the State
of Oregon, he struck a chord with us.
Coincidcntally, we had traveled the route once more
Just a week or two prior to his item and had Intended to write
about it, but procrastinated and didn't get it done.
The area has found a soft spot with us ever since we lived
at Elkton on the Umpqua River for a time just after leaving
college. It struck us, certainly, as one of the most beautiful
sections of the state, but its scenic value is not limited to
that adjoining the highway. Travel some of the byroads and
one finds grandeur impressive in depth. We once took a group
of Boy Scouts on a hike through the mountain country back of
the Umpqua. At a high vantage point we could see the green
spires of virgin timber unblemished to the limit of a person's
visibility. In the ensuing years, encompassing the timber boom
in the Roseburg area, we have often wondered whether the same
area is not now dotted with stumps and the wreckage left
by logging oixratlons.
We feel that Bud limited his choice a little when he specified
the particular Seottsburg-Reedsport section, for on up the river
to Elkton and Drain is afforded some gorgeous scenery, too.
The lower Umpqua is the area that Mrs. Workman wrote
about in her book, "Only When I Laugh," which has been
a leading seller and was condensed by The Reader's Digest
some time ago. However, she probably dwelt as much on the
picturesque characteristics of the inhabitants there as she did
on the spectacular scenery.
It was good, on our recent trip, to note that this river route
is still as beautiful as we remembered it.
However, Mrs. Berniee Riley of Condon wrote a letter to
the editor that appeared In the E. O. a day or two ago. It
conceded Bud's point but added, "But couldn't we say that
about just everywhere in this wonderful state?" And we have
to agree with her, too.
She points to the "ever-changing panorama of scenic de
light" presented by the Columbia Gorge, to the magnificent
checkerboard of farms that one sees as he travels down Cabbage
Hill at Bud's back door. She points to the coast highway in
the area of Nealikanie Mountain, the painted rocks of the John
Day Gorge and others.
Well, then, Bud and Berniee, what about the North San
tiam pass, which many will claim as the state's most beautiful?
The McKenzie Pass? And, Man! How about Crater Lake, which
has an awesome beauty ail its own? Nor can you forget the
Mt. Hood Loop. Then there is the grandeur of the Wallowas,
Oregon's "Little Switzerland," and the precipitous beauty of
Hell's Canyon. The adventurer may claim the rugged area above
the Owyhee dam as his favorite.
There are those who will hold out for the Oregon coast
from Oceanlake south. And we find a lot of the spectacular
Chaff and Chatter
Wes Sherman
NOW THAT Fred Gimbel has
joined the Benevolent Order
of Clam Diggers and Cleaners
and initiated himself on his re
cent vacation at Long Beach,
Wn., some veteran members of
the order have stepped forward
to give him a little sage advice
on the procurement and proces
sing of the bivalves.
Fred spent part of his time
at the coast digging for razors,
and he had pretty good success.
However, he complained that of
six or seven pounds of clams
that he cleaned, about five
pounds remained inside as sand.
This came out in a coffee con
ference at which Harley Young
was included (making it a high
powered conclave if there ever
was one, each being, manager of
his separate utility here). In
stead of slitting the neck of the
clam in cleaning, Fred tossed
'em in the pan intact. No wonder
they were a little sandy. (That's
about like roasting a chicken
without first removing the nat
ural "stuffing." and we've heard
of such cases).
Freddie should have taken
Jack Bedford or some of these
other veterans along to show
him the ropes first. At least the
Gimbels should have enough
grit in their craws to last a
while.
THE TALE of the dog's tail that
came up at the citizens' meet
ing on the county extension bud
get last week wasn't exactly cor
rect as reported in the paper,
Fay Munkers said at the meet
ing with the county court Wed
nesday. The county agent didn't
sew the dog's tail back on be
cause he didn't have a tail to
start with, she said. He sewed
the dog's leg on after it had
been injured and thereby kept
him from bleeding to death.
This happened some 20 years
ago. We're sorry that we erred
and told the wrong tale, but we
used the item in the story merely
as illustrative of the range of
activities of the extension ser
vice, and it is still as pertinent
of the work being done. This
should put the record straight.
IF BEVERLY Gunderson, R-l
school clerk, has a dazed look
these days, it may be because
she has been working out the
district's application for funds
under Public Law 874. This ap
plies to districts which get some
reimbursements from the govern
ment because federal activities
have created an influx of school
population in their districts.
The instructions on the appli
cation are 15 pages long in small
type, all written in governmental
gobbledy-kook. Here is one little
sample from one page (you be
the judge):
"The Act as amended provides
that a school district may elect
to have a substantial increase
in section 3 ADA in I9bz-w over
1961-62 counted for entitlement
purposes under subsection 4(a),
first-year assistance, instead of
section 3, provided that the sec
tion 3 increase, together with
the ADA of pupils otherwise eli
gible under subsection 4(a),
amounts to at least 5 percent of
the non-Federal ADA in 1961
62 (and that the increase in to
tal ADA amounts to at least 5
percent of the non-Federal ADA
Wool Sewing
Contest Offered
For Girls 13-21
Young fashionists, 13 through
21, who head for their sewing
machines this summer may be
stitching their way to a 14-day
tour of the Caribbean, a college
scholarship, or a share of $35,
000 in prizes to be awarded in
right here at home. Go up the rise on the highway toward
North Lexington just past Orville Cutsforth's home, for in
stance, and look to the north on a clear day. To the person
who can appreciate beauty at all this is thrilling most any time
of the year as the irregular designs of the fields green in the
spring and golden and brown in the summer stretch to the
horizon.
Perhaps it is with Bud as it is with us. Go to one of these
spots and meditate, "Surely nothing could be more beautiful
than this!" And almost paradoxically, perhaps in each instance
this is true. Each has a beauty of its own, and perhaps one
cannot be measured against another.
Maybe it is similar to the way a man looks at his wife.
Perhaps she couldn't win a beauty contest anywhere, but she
is the most beautiful of all to him.
So we can't help but agree with both Bud and Berniee. If
this seems contradictory, we'll retreat into the sanctuary of
the old saying, "Beauty is In the eyes of the beholder."
Ignore the Eclipse!
Scientists assure us that on Saturday, July 20, Old Sol, the
sun, is going to put on a spectacular show. But it Is a performance
that none should look at. The cost of admission nay be too
high.
There Is to be a total eclipse of the sun, but its infra-red rays
can permanently damage the eyes of a person without him
realizing it.
Warnings have been issued by the Oregon Optometric
association, the State Department of Education and others.
"Sunglasses or smoked glass are not adequate protection,"
says the optometric association, which strongly advises those
who can to stay indoors between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The State Department consultants for blind children say
that the retina may actually be burned by the sun, thus
producing a permanent blind spot which may increase with
age.
There are some methods devised that a person may view
the eclipse indirectly without harm, but these are a little
complicated for the average person, and particularly for child
ren. It is best, the authorities warn, to view the eclipse on TV.
Oddly, an overcast day may increase the danger. Clouds
may give the false impression that the dimmed rays can do
no damage, but such is not the case.
Dr. E. K. Schaffitz, Heppner optometrist, concurs in these
warnings. He points out that some will recall former eclipses
that they viewed through sunglasses and did not recognize
any harm. However, these eclipses did cause damage to many
without the persons knowing it. Increased knowledge of ultra
violet and infra-red rays points up the danger, and the public
is urged to heed the advice: Ignore the eclipse!
My Neighbors
l COMMUNITY If
BILLBOARD II
I'l.' ...
Jot 'til I get !. for these
ato plants you don't
1
toma
leave
KEEP FREEDOM
RINGING
BUY U.S.
SAVINGS BONDS
Coming Events
LEGION MOVIES
Friday, July 19, 8 p.m.
"Seven Angry Men," starr
ing Raymond Massey, Deb
ra Paget and Jeffrey Hunter.
Plus cartoon.
PRINCESS NANCY
RODEO DANCE
Saturday, July 20
Fair Pavilion building
Welcome Princess Nancy
Cleveland and the Rodeo
court.
Sponsored bv Lena Commun
ity Dancing from 10 to 2:00.
Lunch served.
SWIMMING POOL OPEN
Open daily, except Monday.
Afternoons 1 to 4 p.m.
Evenings 6 to 8 p.m.
Sunday afternoon, 1 to 5
p.m.
Saturday, July 20, only. Af
ternoon swimming from
2:30 to 4:30, following the
sun eclipse.
Check now for swimming
lessons.
SPONSORED AS A PUBLIC
SERVICE BY
C. A. RUGGLES
Insurance Agency
P. O. Box 247 PH. 676-9625
Heppner
in 1961-62), that the sudden and
substantial increase In federally
connected pupils has resulted in
a financial burden, that the dis
trict is making a reasonable tax
effort, avails itself of State and
other financial assistance, and is
unable to meet the needs com
puted on the current expense
costs in comparable districts for
providing free public education."
And that, friends, is just one
sentence. It would seem that
districts which actually get Pub
lic Law 874 funds really earn
them.
THIS IS the week that the pick
of the Little Leagues head for
bigger diamonds to conquer. The
All-Stars go to The Dalles for
the playoffs, and our best wishes
go with them. Those who have
seen them play here know they
have developed real skill, and
some outstanding performers are
on the Willow Creek club.
They have always played well
against outside competition and
we know that this week will be
no exception. If they can keep
from getting as excited about it
as their parents, they'll undoubt
edly do O.K.!
the 17 national "Make It Your
self With Wool" contest, states
Mrs. Robert Hoskins, Morrow
Umatilla county director.
The contest levels are geared
to the sewing skill of seams
tresses, 13 through 21 and are
divided into three groups. The
very young and beginn i n g
seamstress gains confidence in
the "Sub-Deb" class held on the
district level for girls, 13
through 15. Their choice of en
try may be a skirt, a skirt and
sleeveless top, or a jumper.
In the "junior" division 14
through 17, and the "Senior"
division, 18 through 21, the en
tries may be a dress, coat, suit
or ensemble. The only prerequi
site is that the entry must be
made of 100 per cent wool loom
ed in America.
This contest is sponsored by
the Women's Auxiliary of the
National Wool Growers' assoc
iation and the American Wool
Council in 11 states. In Oregon
this is the major project of the
women's auxiliary and contests
are scheduled in 16 districts
throughout the state with state
finals in Portland, November 3-4.
The district finals will be early
in October, the date to be an
nounced later. Last year 311 girls
entered the state's contest and
Oregon's senior winner, Sandra
Olson, Salem, was runner-up
to the national winner.
Mrs. Hoskins, co-director with
Mrs. Clint Lewis, Pendleton, last
year, says the sewing contest
has only one intent, that of ac
quainting young seamstresses
with the characteristics which
make wool a joy to sew and to
wear. This contest has been
placed on the approved list of
national contests and activities
for 1963-64 by the National As
sociation of Secondary School
Principals.
Contest blanks may be ob-
Flower Shop Adds
Decorating Service
Mrs. Helen Cox, owner of Helen
Cox Flowers and Gifts, announ
ces the addition of an interior
decorating consultant service.
Ron Reid will be in charge of
this service which is designed
to help homeowners get the
most for their decorating dollar.
Reid will visit furniture, paint,
wallpaper and drapery stores in
Heppner and other towns in the
surrounding area to become
familiar with what they have
to offer in home furnishings. He
will help to coordinate colors
and materials in each room with
the homeowner's own furnish
ings and new items as needed
or desired.
Those desiring this service are
asked to come into the shop to
discuss their decorating problem
with Ron or call for an appoint
ment. The shop will carry an
accessory line with other items
added as the need arises, and
it will continue in the floral and
gift lines as at present.
Mrs. Helen Cox returned July
6 after a 5-day stay in Dallas,
Texas, attending the gift show
displays held there.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Richards
went to Port Angeles, Wn., over
the July 4th week-end to visit
their son and daughter-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Richards, Jr.,
and family. They went by way
of Portland to pick up their
daughter, Sandra, who accom
panied them.
tained from the county agent's
office for those wishing to enter
the "Make It Yourself With
Wool" contest.
OLD
FRIENDS
TRUST
OUR
SERVICE -
But We Cherish New
Friends, Too!
I We keep f)
your ear
LIKE NEW
We Invite You to Drop In and Visit Our Shop-Meet The Expert
Mechanics Who Work On Your Car and See Our Modern
Equipment
BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT TRIP, LET US SEE
THAT YOUR CAR RUNS LIKE NEW
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT and balance.
We'll check, and adjust if necessary.
BRAKES. We'll check for safe stopping;
adjust or reline as needed.
A TRANSMISSION. We'll make precision ad
justments for reliable performance
MOTOR. Let us give it an expert tune
up for fast pick-ups, smooth operation.
LIGHTS are a vital safety factor. We'll
check 'em, put 'em "on the beam."
LUBRICATION. Our precision lube job will
make a big difference in the way your car
rides over wintry roads!
Parts And Service For All Makes
FORDS AND FRIENDS ARE OUR BUSINESS
HEPPNER
124 N. Main
Heppner
Ph. 676-9152